..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Kroos and agent set to fly to Spain

Bayern Munich star Toni Kroos will fly to Spain with his agent on Tuesday as he prepares to reveal where he will be playing his football next season.

Widespread reports in recent days have claimed the midfielder is set to join Real Madrid after failing to agree a new deal with the Bundesliga club as his contract enters its final year.

Kroos, 24, had previously been linked with a move to Manchester United, but his agent says no definite decision has yet been made, although added there will be an announcement by the middle of the week.

"It is not decided where Toni Kroos is heading. I can guarantee that," Volker Struth told Express.

"We will travel to Mallorca on Tuesday when we will sit together and decide what he will do. On Tuesday evening or Wednesday in the morning we will announce the decision."

The news appears to contradict quotes from Kroos himself, who stated that he already knew where he would be playing his football next season in a recent interview.

Current employers Bayern remain in the dark, however, with the club's spokesman, Markus Horwick, explaining that the Bundesliga champions would only make a statement after confirmation from the player and his camp.

He said: "We are waiting for an official reaction by Toni or his management. Only then we can speak about it."

Kroos was part of the Germany side who lifted the World Cup on Sunday evening after Mario Gotze fired them to a 1-0 win over Argentina in extra-time.

 

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Kroos Real Madrid join wei​

 

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Rakitic: Barcelona have to win everything

Ivan Rakitic has revealed Barcelona’s summer signings have been told in no uncertain terms they have to lead the club to silverware in 2014-15.

The Camp Nou side failed to win a major trophy under Gerardo Martino last season, the first time in six seasons they have failed to secure success in either La Liga, Copa Del Rey or Champions League competitions.

Luis Suarez, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo have also joined this summer, while the likes of Gerard Deulofeu and Rafinha return from loan spells to give the squad a fresh look under new coach Luis Enrique.

Rakitic, who arrives from Sevilla after helping Unai Emery’s men to glory in the Europa League, says it has been made clear to the new arrivals that another dry season will not be tolerated.

“I read that Barca have spent more money this year than they have in any other summer transfer window and the very first thing they told me when I arrived was ‘we have to win everything!’ - so I want to be ready," the midfielder told a press conference in Split.

"I keep saying that I am not here to replace anyone, I come to Barca to be Ivan Rakitic. Replacing Xavi? He is still at the club.

“I cannot wait to meet all my team-mates and to be part of a football style everyone is talking about. I want to learn from them all, but I also want to be able to contribute and help them to improve as well.”

Rakitic says he wants to be a versatile option for Luis Enrique to call upon and again moved to dismiss suggestions he was unhappy paying in a deeper role for Croatia at the World Cup.

The Croatia international added: "I have spoken to the coach. Barca play with a 4-3-3 and he told me I can cover all three midfield positions.

“Due to the World Cup there was not a huge amount of time to talk to him, but I have spoken a lot to Andoni Zubizarreta. Midfield is a very important position for them and now I am part of it.

“I trust Niko Kovac and there are no issues over the World Cup. My coach at Sevilla always received the same questions... I think it is funny. I always give my best wherever I play - once for Sevilla I even played right-back!

“The deal was for me to back up the play behind the other midfielders like Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Sammir and that is what I did. It didn't work out and now it is easy to look for a guilty party.

“We are not satisfied with going out of the World Cup so early but now we will clear our heads for the Euro 2016 qualifiers, where we will be powerful. The team is maturing.”

Rakitic will face a La Liga title battle against two international team-mates next season, with Modric playing a key role for Real Madrid and Mario Mandzukic having signed for champions Atletico Madrid.

The Barcelona man explained: “We have been having jokes about it. In last year’s final I cheered for Luka but now I have told him this season you will finish second… and Mandzo will be third!”

The 26-year-old insisted he would miss life with Sevilla and was adamant he had not moved clubs for financial reasons.

“Sevilla was always No.1 for me and when I left, I wanted them to be satisfied with the deal because that club means so much to me,” continued Rakitic.

“Money was not key, I will live the same life with €7 million or just €10. What is important is to make step forward and in Barcelona I will do that."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United shouldn't retire my No.11, says Giggs

Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs does not believe the club should retire his No.11 shirt following the end of his playing career.

The Welshman officially announced his retirement from the game in May after a spell as interim manager at the end of the last season and has now taking up a role as second-in-command behind new boss Louis van Gaal.

The 40-year-old spent his entire 24-year career at Old Trafford, winning 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions Leagues but, despite his incredible achievements with United, Giggs wants the No.11 jersey to continue to be used.

"There are obviously special cases but it just depends on the club, really," he told MUTV.

"I don't think it's for United, where they constantly churn over great players."

Giggs then joked that whoever follows him in wearing the shirt will be under immediate scrutiny.

"I haven't thought about who will take over the No.11 shirt - that's a good question," he added.

"They're under pressure, aren't they? I look forward to seeing who takes it and wish them all the best."

 

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No 11 1kata hoda kenek set wenakam retire karala thibbata kamak naha mata hithenne​

 

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Maicon saddened by Scolari reports

Maicon has leapt to the defence of Luiz Felipe Scolari amid reports the Brazil coach has handed his resignation letter to the Brazilian FA.

The World Cup hosts suffered a humiliating 7-1 defeat to eventual champions Germany in the semi-finals, before falling to a 3-0 reverse at the hands of the Netherlands in the third-place play-off.But Roma full-back Maicon, who made three appearances at the tournament, defended the team's performance, as well as Scolari's work as coach.

"Maybe Brazil did not have the tournament that was expected, but the Brazilians have to remember that this is a team built over a year-and-a-half," he is quoted as telling Gazzetta dello Sport.

"The Germany project has been going on for eight years, the Argentines [runners-up] have been together for six. It takes time.

"I believe Scolari and his entire staff have done a good job - this squad has a good mix of experience and youth and has a future."After what happened in this World Cup, even those who are less experienced will now have the right mindset to win.

"I do not think that the wound of the 7-1 defeat to Germany will weaken them, in fact, after that night I saw straight away the will to get up, and the defeat in the last game for third place is a chapter we will close quickly."Scolari previously led Brazil to victory at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

 

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Barcelona a better team with Suarez, insists Bartra

Barcelona defender Marc Bartra has little doubt that Luis Suarez will prove to be a shrewd signing for the Primera Division giants.

Netherlands legend Johan Cruyff stated earlier on Monday that Barcelona are abandoning their philosophy by signing the Uruguay international, who is poised to complete an €88 million switch to Camp Nou this week.

Bartra, however, is confident that Suarez will become an instant hit at the Camp Nou side.

"Luis Suarez is a great signing," the defender was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"He's a very complete player and most of all has the ability to score goals, which is what matters most in football...

"I think we'll come out of this winning and the team will be better with him. It's a good thing that he's going to be playing for us."

Barcelona are widely expected to add some fresh blood to their defence as well this summer and Bartra has made it clear that the players will do their utmost to help any new additions settle in.

"A lot of names have been mentioned as possible centre-backs since I've been in the first team.

"The right man hasn't been found yet, but whoever does come in the end will be made welcome. We'll help him as much as possible, because the league is starting and it won't wait, he has to feel comfortable.

"And if nobody comes, then we'll just have to get by with the people we have."

 

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Suarez danwath hadunoth hodai​

 

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Blatter 'surprised' by Messi Golden Ball award

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has admitted he was “surprised” that Lionel Messi was voted the best player of the World Cup and has expressed his sympathy for Luis Suarez following his four-month ban for biting.

Messi was awarded the Golden Ball following Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Germany in the final on Sunday after he scored four goals in the tournament but failed to register a strike in the knockout stages.

“I was a little bit surprised when I saw Messi coming up as the best player in the competition,” Blatter said in a post-tournament press conference at the Maracana.

Suarez was banned by Fifa’s disciplinary for biting Georgio Chiellini during Uruguay’s victory over Italy in the group stage.

An appeal was dismissed last week to get the new Barcelona man’s four-month ban reduced, but Blatter hopes to see the 27-year-old back to his best now he has moved to the Camp Nou.

Blatter said: “Concerning the Suarez matter I feel for him that such a punishment hurts. But as the president of Fifa I have to accept the decision of the committee.

“This player will come back to football on the pitch and what he has shown on the pitch, we saw his tactical and technical capacity and his smell for goal.

“I hope he will be back. He is now at one of the greatest clubs in the world.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I'm disappointed Fabregas went to Chelsea - Flamini


Mathieu Flamini says he is “disappointed” that Cesc Fabregas will be playing for Chelsea rather than Arsenal next season and admits it will be “strange” to compete against him on the pitch.

The Blues wrapped up a £30 million deal for the Spain international last month after Arsene Wenger passed up the chance to exercise a first-option clause and bring his former captain back to the Emirates Stadium.

And Flamini – who forged a formidable midfield partnership with Fabregas before leaving Arsenal for AC Milan in the summer of 2008 – admits he would rather have seen the Spaniard return to the Gunners.

“I had an amazing time with him at Arsenal and he stayed a very close friend of mine,” Flamini told Goal at the launch of Arsenal's new PUMA kits.

“I’m a bit disappointed that he’ll be playing with Chelsea rather than us, but I respect his decision.

“That’s football, and I’m very happy for him because I’m sure that if he’s moving back it’s because he wanted it.

“I’m also very happy that he’s coming back to London because he’s going to be my neighbour, so I’ll see him a lot!

“It will be very strange to play against him, and it won’t be easy - we were laughing about it when I saw him a few days ago - but I’m happy because it will give me the opportunity to see him a bit more than when he was in Barcelona.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Llorente: I want to be at Juventus for as long as possible

Fernando Llorente says he would love to play for Juventus for "as long as possible".

The Spanish striker enjoyed a bright first season at the Italian giants as they secured a third consecutive Serie A title ahead of Roma.

And Llorente insists he is hoping to improve on his goalscoring rate of 16 goals in 34 appearances and says he would love to stay at the club for many years.

"For me, staying at this great club is something incredible. I am very happy to be here and I hope I can have another great season," he told reporters.
"I hope can do even better than last season, I would love to stay as long as possible."

Despite signing a one-year contract at the end of the season, coach Antonio Conte's long term future is still in doubt at the Italian giants and Llorente maintains that it will not affect him or the rest of the team. "There have been other times I have played in teams with coaches who only had one year on their contract.

"In Italy you are used to coaches having many years on their contract, but many prefer for that not to be the case. There is no difference, in the end the moment could come this season when he renews."Conte is a great coach and he will give everything for the team as he has always done."

 

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Scolari resigns as Brazil coach

Luiz Felipe Scolari has resigned from his post as Brazil coach, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has confirmed.

The 65-year-old was rumoured to have quit early on Monday morning after Brazil failed to win the World Cup on home soil after crashing out at the semi-final with a 7-1 defeat to Germany before losing 3-0 to Netherlands in the third-place play-off.

And Brazilian football's governing body have confirmed that the coach, who won the World Cup with the South American nation in 2002, has left the club amidst great criticism after failing to make the country world champions on home soil.

"Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari and his fellow coaching staff surrendered their resignations to the board of the Brazilian Football Confederation," a statement on the CBF's official website read.

"The resignation was accepted by President Marin, who was keen to thank all the committee members and players and, by extension, the Brazilian fans for showing love to the Brazilian national team throughout the World Cup campaign.

"Scolari and his entire coaching staff deserve our respect and gratitude. They were responsible for returning to the Brazilian people your love for selection, despite not having achieved our greatest goal."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sevilla agree to sign Aspas on loan from Liverpool

Sevilla have confirmed a deal has been agreed with Liverpool to sign Iago Aspas on a season-long loan.

The Spanish club also have an option to buy the forward, while the move is subject to a medical and the relevant paperwork being completed.

The 26-year-old joined Brendan Rodgers' side from Celta Vigo last June but made just 15 appearances in all competitions last term.

Aspas' only goal during his debut campaign at Anfield came in the 2-0 win over Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup third round.

Prior to Aspas' exit, Rodgers bolstered his attacking options last month with the signing of Rickie Lambert from Southampton, although Luis Suarez is on the verge of completing his €94 million move to Barcelona.

Liverpool are also expected to complete a €25m deal for Benfica forward Lazar Markovic. The 20-year-old has already arrived on Merseyside to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gomez reveals pain at seeing Germany win World Cup

Mario Gomez admitted to having mixed emotions after watching Germany win the World Cup on Sunday.

Mario Gotze scored in the second period of extra-time to seal a 1-0 victory over Argentina, with Joachim Low's men becoming the first European outfit to win the tournament in the Americas and ending a 24 year dought without winning the competition.

However, Fiorentina striker Gomez, who boasts 25 goals in in 59 appearances for his country, missed out on the squad for the finals after knee problems hampered his maiden campaign in Serie A.

And, while feeling happy for his international colleagues, Gomez conceded his delight was tinged with disappointment."I am very happy for my country and my team-mates, they were the best team," he told Viola Channel. "They have worked on this goal for many years and it is a deserved victory.

"It hurts to not be there with them because I have been with them for seven years. But I still have time to win a World Cup or European Championship, so I want to play very well in the Viola [Fiorentina] shirt over the next four years."The first aim is to play in Euro 2016."

 

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Khedira demands put Arsenal move in danger

Sami Khedira's wage demands are currently pricing him out of a move to Arsenal, Goal understands.

The Gunners are willing to match Real Madrid's €25 million valuation of the World Cup winner, who has just one year remaining on his contract with the Spanish giants.

But Arsenal have baulked at Khedira's salary demands, with the Germany midfielder pushing for a basic €250,000-a-week deal plus bonuses.

This would make him comfortably the highest-paid player at Emirates Stadium and smash the wage structure in place for the club's A-list players.

The top earners at the club are Mesut Ozil and new signing Alexis Sanchez, who both earn a basic €160,000-per-week, while Aaron Ramsey's new contract lifted him to €140,000-per-week.

Arsenal have been in recent contact with Madrid about signing Khedira but a deal is unlikely unless the midfield anchorman considerably reduces his wage expectations.

The Champions League holders have failed to make any headway in agreeing a new deal with the 27-year-old, and are prepared to sell now rather than let him leave for free at the end of next season.

Arsene Wenger is ready to pursue alternatives as he bids to recruit a proven midfield anchorman this summer, with Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin among those admired by the Arsenal manager.

The Gunners are also in the market for a forward, a back-up goalkeeper, a centre-back and a deputy right-back as they prepare to send Carl Jenkinson on loan for the forthcoming season.

Arsenal are expected to announce the signing of Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle United on Tuesday after the Tyneside club reached an agreement with Feyenoord for the Frenchman's successor, Daryl Janmaat.

Debuchy, who completed his Arsenal medical and official club pictures on Monday of last week, will join for an initial €10m plus appearance-related add-ons.

 

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World Cup 1kath iwarai ahenam

Dan thamai ithin transfers wena deyak wenna thiyenne​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vidal to Manchester United dead 1ka off kiyanawa

Anemanda mona wenna yanawada kiyalameh wage Worldclass playersla set 1kak gatthe nathnam 2014/15 season 1ke gemak dena 1ka heenayak thamaidan thiyana sqaud 1ken fight 1kak denna amarui
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Khedira demands put Arsenal move in danger

Lars Bender try kala nam hari

 

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World Cup 1kath iwarai ahenam

Dan thamai ithin transfers wena deyak wenna thiyenne​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kroos available for a certain price, says Rummenigge

Toni Kroos could part ways with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich this summer, according to CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

A host of top European clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, have been reported to have shown interest in signing the player, however Real Madrid are currently leading the chase for the Germany international.

Rummenigge has confirmed that talks with Real are "ongoing", however the midfielder will only be sold if Bayern are "offered a certain fee".

Confirming that Kroos is the subject of a possible deal between Real and Bayern, Rummenigge told reporters: "Nothing is official yet, however he [Kroos] could be sold for a certain fee.""I can confirm that Toni and us are in talks with Real Madrid," he added.

The former forward also talked about the reasons behind his club's decision to potentially sell Kroos.

"It is clear we do not want to lose the player for free next year. We have a financial responsibility towards our club.

"Let me put it this way... We were not able to achieve [a contract renewal]. And then you can't exclude [the possibility of] a transfer after the World Cup. It is possible this will happen.“

The 24-year-old has already won three Bundesligas, a Champions League, three DFB-Pokal titles and a Uefa Super Cup, however he has been open about his desire to move elsewhere in recent times and has previously referred to a move to Madrid as a “dream”.

Kroos, who represented Bayern on 51 occasions and scored four goals last season, was an ever-present in Germany’s World Cup winning squad, starting all seven of his side’s games and scoring two goals in the 7-1 demolition of Brazil.